Subclass 801

Partner Permanent Visa (Onshore)

The Subclass 801 Partner visa (Permanent) allows the partner or spouse of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia permanently. This visa is usually granted after the applicant has held the temporary Subclass 820 Partner visa and demonstrated that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. The Subclass 801 visa allows successful applicants to live, work, and study in Australia permanently, access Medicare, and eventually apply for Australian citizenship if eligible. It provides a pathway for couples to build their long-term future together in Australia.

Check Your Eligiblity Now

Book a Consultation

Key Facts: Partner Visa (Permanent)

General Info

Base Fee $9,385

Location Apply while IN Australia

Stay Duration Permanently

Sponsorship

Sponsor Required YES

Relationship Requirements YES

*Relationship must have continued for at least 2 years since the initial partner visa application.

Visa Requirements

✓ Current Status: Must be a holder of a Subclass 820 (Temporary) visa or on a Prospective Marriage visa.

✓ Time Duration: 2 years must have passed since the initial combined application for the relationship to be assessed for permanent grant.

✓ Evidence: Ongoing evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship is required for the permanent stage.

Admission

Expert support for Australian university admissions, ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines.

Degree Assessment

Reliable degree assessments to align your credentials with Australian standards, boosting your academic or career prospects.

Visa Assistance

Simplified visa application support for students, guiding you through Australia’s visa requirements and procedures smoothly.

Migration Services

Strategic migration planning for Australia, ensuring compliance and aligning with your educational and career objectives.

Dreaming of a forever home with your Australian partner? The Subclass 801 Visa, also known as the Partner Permanent Visa (Onshore), is your gateway to permanent residency in one of the world's most vibrant nations. This visa allows eligible spouses or de facto partners to live, work, and study indefinitely in Australia, building a shared future filled with opportunities. Whether you're already in the country on a temporary visa or transitioning from the initial partner stage, understanding the Australian partner visa requirements is key to success.

In today's fast-paced migration landscape, the partner visa onshore pathway stands out for its accessibility. Unlike offshore options, it lets you stay in Australia during processing, minimizing separation from your loved one. With rising demand—over 10,000 partner visas granted annually in recent years—this route has helped countless couples reunite permanently. But navigating the 801 visa process demands precision: from proving genuine relationships to meeting health standards. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know, including 801 visa fee, 801 visa processing time, and subclass 801 visa essentials. Armed with up-to-date facts and figures, you'll be ready to submit a strong application.

What is the Subclass 801 Visa?

The Subclass 801 Visa is the permanent stage of Australia's onshore partner migration program. It grants indefinite stay rights, full work entitlements, and access to Medicare and social services. Unlike the temporary Partner Visa Subclass 820, which bridges the initial application, the 801 visa solidifies your status as a permanent resident. This means sponsorship ends, but your bond with Australia endures.

Key facts: In the 2024-2025 migration year, partner visas accounted for about 7% of Australia's total intake of 190,000 places, underscoring their popularity. Same-sex and opposite-sex couples qualify equally, reflecting Australia's inclusive policies. If you're in a de facto relationship (living together like spouses for at least 12 months), or legally married, this visa paves the way for citizenship eligibility after four years.

Australian Partner Visa Requirements: Who Qualifies?

Meeting Australian partner visa requirements is the foundation of a successful subclass 801 visa application. You must be the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. Your relationship must be genuine and ongoing—no short-term flings here.

Core eligibility criteria include:

Requirement Category	Details	Evidence Needed
Relationship Status	Married or de facto (12+ months unless registered or child involved).	Marriage certificate, joint bills, photos, statutory declarations.
Sponsor Eligibility	Sponsor must be 18+, settled in Australia, not bankrupt, and pass character checks.	Passport/ID, income proof (AUD 18,610+).
Health & Character	Must meet health standards; no serious criminal history.	Medical exams, police certificates for countries lived in 12+ months.
Location	Applicant must be in Australia on a valid visa.	Current visa documents; evidence of being onshore.
Debts & Age	No Australian government debts; under-18 applicants assessed on “best interests”.	Debt clearance/proof if applicable.

Additional facts: Over 90% of refusals stem from insufficient relationship evidence, so compile a "relationship timeline" covering financial, social, household, and commitment aspects. For de facto couples, evidence of living together is crucial—think shared leases or bank accounts.

Qualified Migration & Education Consultant

MARA Registered (MARN 2619225) QEAC (G12906)

Unsure where to start? Get a personalised, step-by-step walkthrough with our Registered Migration Agents.

Call Now +61 424 295 050

Zoom Session Online Video Consult

Melbourne Office Mon & Tue (In-Person)

Fahad Shamim

Registered Migration Agent

The Partner Visa Onshore Application Process

Applying for the partner visa onshore involves a two-stage journey: first, lodge a combined Subclass 820/801 application while in Australia. This secures a temporary visa (820) for immediate bridging rights, then transitions to the permanent 801 visa after about two years.

Step-by-step guide:

Gather Documents: Compile ID, relationship proof, sponsor forms (like Form 40SP).
Create ImmiAccount: Submit online via the Department of Home Affairs portal—paper apps are outdated.
Pay Fees: Cover the combined 801 visa fee upfront (more below).
Biometrics & Interviews: Attend if requested; expect case officer queries on your bond.
Stage 2 Assessment: After 24 months, provide updated evidence for permanency.

Pro tip: Use a registered migration agent for complex cases, like prior visa overstays. Success rates hover at 85-90% for well-documented apps.

801 Visa Fee: Budgeting for Your Future

Cost is a big consideration in the 801 visa journey. The 801 visa fee is bundled into the initial Subclass 820/801 application—no extra charge at stage two. As of late 2025, fees reflect indexation for inflation.

Applicant Type	Base Fee (AUD)	Additional Costs
Main Applicant	9,365	Health exams (~500), police checks (~50/country)
Adult Dependent	4,685	Translations (~100/page)
Child Dependent	2,345	Biometrics (~100/person)
Total Family Example (Couple + 1 Child)	11,710	Agent fees (2,000–5,000 optional)

Figures sourced from Department of Home Affairs: Fees rose 3% in July 2025. No refunds on refusals, so accuracy matters. Fun fact: This investment yields lifetime benefits, with permanent residents accessing Centrelink after two years.

Schedule a Consultation

801 Visa Processing Time: What to Expect

Patience is vital—the 801 visa processing time varies by case complexity. From the initial 820/801 lodgement, temporary approval takes 13-29 months (75% processed in 20-29 months). Permanent stage: 12-16 months post-820 grant, totaling 24-45 months overall.

Processing Milestone	Median Time	Factors Affecting Speed
Temporary 820 Grant	20 months (50%)	Complete documents = faster; heavy backlogs slow processing.
Permanent 801 Decision	14 months	Quality of relationship evidence; sponsor background checks.
Overall (End-to-End)	34 months	Priority if compelling circumstances exist (e.g., health issues).

In 2025, global processing hit 50,000+ partner apps, causing minor delays. Track via VEVO or ImmiAccount. Tip: Respond to requests within 28 days to avoid extensions.

Benefits of the Subclass 801 Visa

Securing the subclass 801 visa unlocks Australia's treasures:

Indefinite Stay: Live anywhere, no expiry.
Work & Study: Unrestricted rights; access to HECS-HELP for uni.
Family Inclusion: Sponsor dependents later.
Path to Citizenship: Eligible after four years, with voting rights.

Stats highlight appeal: 95% of holders report improved life satisfaction in surveys. Travel freely with a Resident Return Visa.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Don't let errors derail your dream. Top issues: Weak evidence (fix with 4-6 witness statements) or sponsor ineligibility (pre-check finances). If relationships end pre-grant, compassionate provisions may apply—seek advice.

Conclusion: Start Your Australian Chapter Today

The Subclass 801 Visa isn't just paperwork—it's a promise of shared sunsets on Bondi Beach or family barbecues in the Outback. By mastering Australian partner visa requirements and the partner visa onshore nuances, you're steps from permanency. With 801 visa fee and 801 visa processing time in mind, act now: Lodge via ImmiAccount and consult experts. Your love story deserves Australia's embrace—apply for the subclass 801 visa and thrive

Expert Migration Services

Secure Your Future with the Subclass 801 Partner Permanent Visa

Navigate the complexities of Australian migration with confidence. Get personalised advice from a Registered Migration Agent to maximise your chances of success.

MARN: 2619225

QEAC No: 12906

Book Zoom Consultation

✅ Secure payment via Calendly

FAQs

What are the main Australian partner visa requirements for Subclass 801?

You need a genuine spousal/de facto relationship with an Australian citizen/PR, health/character checks, and onshore presence. Evidence includes joint finances and statements.